KISS – O2 Arena, London – 5th July 2023
As the larger-than-life characters of Kiss were lowered from the rafters at the London O2 via their individual floating platforms, you knew this was going to be a ludicrous night’s entertainment.
This may also be the longest farewell tour in history, but then again Kiss have never done things by halves. The biggest grossing band in the world were in London to say their last goodbyes, complete with a whole load of pyrotechnics.
The heat from the flames could be felt all around the arena, the volume was set to eleven and Kiss were on fire. The set list covered a cross-section of the band’s 50-year career, albeit the majority pulling from the original makeup era of the 70s. Yet there were still a couple of 80s tracks thrown in (“Lick it up” and “Heavens on Fire“). Along with those from latter-day albums such as Psycho Circus and Sonic Boom, albeit not their last-ever studio release Monster.
KISS – “Rock and Roll All Night”
However, it was largely down to the old classics when it came to theatrics. Gene Simmons fire breathing for “I love it loud” as well as being lifted to the skies post-blood spitting on “God of Thunder“.
Tommy Thayer fired rockets from the end of his guitar ala Ace Frehley during the solo of “Cold Gin” and Eric Singer’s pneumatic drum riser came into play on more than one occasion.
As for the two original members, it’s clear Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are still having the time of their life while Gene’s voice, in particular, is as strong as ever. The pair also work the cameras on the big screen and add some light-hearted humour to the glam rock kitsch along the way.
Kiss – “Beth, I’m Feeling Lonely”
Even more huge flames and lasers pierced through the smoke, as Paul Stanley hung on tightly, flying across the audience. Eventually reaching a seperate podium right out in the middle of the auditorium to perform another Kiss classic in “Love Gun“.
Then there was the encore. Was the grand piano coming up through a trap door a step too far? Purely so Eric Singer could imitate original drummer Peter Chris on lead vocals to a backing track for “Beth“. Well, his microphone was live at least… I think… but it didn’t matter, it’s all just part of the extravagant Kiss show. One which finally came to a close with two absolute anthems: “I was made for loving you” followed by an explosive “Rock and Roll All Nite“.
It’s all ridiculously over the top and for a band of this magnitude about to take their final bow, I wouldn’t have expected anything less. Although will the guys come out of retirement for one more reunion concert as Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter? It’s starting to look unlikely, but you never know.
